HC Deb 05 February 1930 vol 234 cc1896-7W
Mr. MANDER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed in the near future to make arrangements for Members of Parliament to participate in a trial flight in the airship R100?

Mr. MONTAGUE

Fine weather is so essential for these short flights, between fixed hours, if they are to be enjoyable, that I think it will be better to make no arrangements for the present.

Captain BALFOUR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if Airship R100 is considered safe for use in tropical climates while fitted with the present petrol-driven motors; and, if not, whether it is intended to confine this airship to northern latitudes or change the type of engine used?

Mr. MONTAGUE

R100 is not considered suitable for use in tropical climates while fitted with petrol engines, and her operations will consequently be confined at first to northern latitudes. It is not proposed to re-engine her for the present with compression ignition engines, as used in R101, since these are still in the experimental stage.